Convertible bed



Feb. 18, 1964 J. A. BRINDISI CONVERTIBLE BED 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR 15 A. kw/vp/j/ Filed April 6, 1961 ATTC'. 54 L 15:

7 Feb. 18, 1964 J. A. BRlNDlSl 3,121,237

CONVERTIBLE BED Filed April 6, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent C) 3,121,237 CGN VE RTBLE BED Joseph A. Brindisi, Uniondale, N.Y., assignor to Castro Convertible Corporation, New Hyde Park, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Apr. 6, 1961, Ser. No. 101,184 9 Claims. (Cl. -36) This invention relates to a convertible bed, and more particularly to a convertible ottoman-bed.

An object of this invention is to provide a convertible bed which is comfortable to sleep on, but at the same time simpler, lighter and with fewer parts than similar units previously known.

Another object is to provide an improved bed mechanism which is inexpensive and light in weight, yet sturdy and easy to open or close.

A further object is to provide such a mechanism which is particularly suited for mass production, and in a variety of sizes if desired.

These and other objects will in part be understood from and in part pointed out in the following description.

In recent years the trend toward smaller homes and apartments has emphasized the need for space saving furniture, particularly sofas and various kinds of seats which can be converted into a bed. A few years ago there was put on the market an ottoman or hassock which could easily be unfolded into a comfortable bed. The basic construction of this ottoman-bed is shown in US. Patent No. Re. 24,128. Though this unit has had considerable commercial success, experience in manufacturing many thousands of them suggests the need for certain Changes and improvements. The present invention accomplishes this objective without sacrificing sleeping comfort, adequate size or ease of operation.

The bed mechanism provided according to the invention is particularly suited for mounting in an ottomantype frame that is, a low, generally square frame without arms or a back. This mechanism includes an inner section which is supported from the frame by a much simplified but highly effective linkage which raises the inner section to a convenient bed level when the mechanism is unfolded and which lowers the inner section within the frame when the mechanism is folded. Pivoted to the inner section along the front side of the frame is a short connecting section to which in turn is pivoted a longer intermediate section. At the outer edge of this latter section is pivoted an end section, the four sections being adapted to fold into a Z shape within the frame with the end section resting on top and supporting a seat cushion. This cushion also forms approximately the outer third of a bed mattress when the mechanism is unfolded, the inner two-thirds of the mattress lying upon the inner, connecting, and intermediate sections. This portion of the mattress is doubled over upon itself when the mechanism is folded and lies within the frame upon the inner section and beneath the intermediate and end sections.

In addition to its simplified raising and lowering linkage, the bed sections of this new mechanism are designed so that they use only several different structural shapes thus simplifying the problems of mass production. Because this new mechanism uses fewer parts and because it makes very efiicient use of the elements that are employed, the weight of a unit fora given size is considerably reduced. Even so, the new mechanism provides a very sturdy and comfortable bed or seat. Because of its simplified design and more efficient use of parts, this unit may easily be made in various sizes and styles.

A better understanding of the invention together with a fuller appreciation of its many advantages will best grams? Patented Feb. 18, 1964 be gained from the following description given in connec tion with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an ottoman-bed mechanism embodying features of the invention, the mechanism being shown in folded or ottoman position,

FIGURE 2 is a view showing the mechanism partly unfolded,

FIGURE 3 is a view showing the mechanism fully unfolded in bed position,

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged cross-section of a portion of the mechanism taken as indicated by lines 44 in FIG- URE 1,

FIGURE 5 is a similarly enlarged View of the portion taken as indicated by lines 55 in FIGURE 3; and

' IGURE 6 is a view taken as indicated by lines 6-6 in FIGURE -3.

The ottoman-bed mechanism 19 shown in FIGURES 1, 2, and 3 comprises a stationary base or frame, generally indicated at 12, which supports four bed sections serially pivoted together, namely an inner section 14, a short connecting section 16, an intermediate section 18 and an end section 29. As can be seen in FIGURES 1 and 2, when the bed is folded, these sections are folded upon each other in a figure Z configuration. In the folded position an inner mattress portion 22, shown in dotted outline, is doubled over between the inner section and the intermediate section. The rear edges of this mattress portion abut and are held in place by a headboard 2=1 fixed to the rear edge of the inner bed section. Fastened upon the top of the end section is an outer mattress portion 2a also shown dotted, which provides a seat cushion when the mechanism is folded. When the mechanism is open, as shown in FIGURE 3 these mattress portions lie horizontally in line upon the bed sections to form a full length bed.

Frame 12 includes two L-shaped side members 30 and 2, which are mirror images, and which are each formed from a one piece angle bar stock. To this end, member 30 at its right-angle corner has a piece cut out of its vertical side flange and is then bent and tack welded along cut 34. Member 32 is formed the same way. These two members are rigidly tied together by welding to two U shaped bars 36 and 37. These bars, whose ends provide four feet for the base, are made from the identical angle stock and formed in the same way as side members 39 and 32. Simply by increasing or decreasing the length of the downturned ends of base 36 and 37, the overall height of the unit is easily changed during manufacture.

Inner section 14 is pivotally connected to side members 39 and 32 by links 38, one on each side, pivoted to section 14 at points 49 and to members 34 and 32, respectively, at points 42. Each link near pivot 42 is bent slightly at 43 so that when the bed is in folded position a short portion of each link near pivot 42 will lie in contact along the horizontal flange of the respective side member 39 or 32 while the rear end of the link at pivot 40 is somewhat above the side member. Thus the links, in cooperation with the connecting bed section 16, hold inner section 14 approximately horizontal.

As seen in FIGURES 2 and 6, the inner end of inter-' mediate section 18 is riveted on each side to a pair of arms 44 and 46, which are mirror images of each other and are formed from one-piece plates bent as shown. These arms are pivoted at points 48 to the short connecting bed section and are pivoted at points 50 to the upper ends of side members 3-9 and 32. As seen best in FIG- URE 6, there is bent inward from the vertical portion of arm 46 a horizontal tab 52. This, when the bed is unfolded, engages the underside of connecting section 16 and supports it. Arm 44 has a similar tab engaging the other side of the connecting section.

Inner section 14, intermediate section 18 and end section 20 are each formed from a single piece of angle stock bent into U-shape and tack welded at the corners. The rear ends of end section 29 are tied together by a fiat bar 53. These ends are also pivoted at points 54 to the front corners of intermediate section, and the free, rear ends of the latter are pivoted to the frame, thus making a rigid, self-bracing assembly. Similarly, the front, free ends of inner section 14 are pivoted at points 56 to the connecting section whose sides are tied together by a bowed brace 58. It will be noted from FIGURE 3 that when the bed is unfolded, the vertical flanges of the angles comprising the intermediate and end sections extend downward thus providing a more comfortable edge to sit on. On the other hand, the vertical flanges of the angles of the connecting and inner sections extend upward to help hold the sides of the mattress in place.

When the bed is being unfolded, as seen in FIGURE 2, lifting and pulling forward of end section 20 causes the intermediate and connecting section to unfold and to raise the inner section. In the fully unfolded position of FIG- URE 3, the end and intermediate sections are supported by a first pair of legs 69 welded to the front edge of the end section and by a second pair of legs 62 welded to its sides, respectively, near their rear ends. The rear of the inner section is supported by links 38 which are held up by the straightening out of the intermediate, connecting and inner sections. Thus when the bed is fully opened, there is a rigid, generally triangular truss arrangement comprising links 38, the forward part of side members 30 and 32, the connecting section and the inner section, which holds the inner section rigidly in line with the others.

To assist in the initial lifting and folding of the end section relative to the intermediate section when the bed is folded, there is as shown in FIGURES 4 and 5, attached to the front edge of intermediate section 18 a pair of curved leaf springs 64. When the bed is open, see FIGURE 5, upward pressure of these springs 64 against bar 53 tries to arch upward the juncture of the intermediate and end sections. This aids the folding of these sections. When they are completely folded, see FIGURE 4, thrust of springs 64 against bar 53 helps unfold these two sections. Thus, these springs function in either position and yet they do not interfere with the mattress.

When the bed is folded as seen in FIGURE 1, the front edge of the end section rests upon the forward portions of arms 44 and 46 and the upper ends of the frame. The rear edge of the end section is supported through legs 62 by engagement of pins 66 projecting inwardly from the lower part of the legs and resting on side members 30 and 32 respectively. This arrangement has the advantage of eliminating rear support portions of the frame which would otherwise be necessary. Thus there are no potentially dangerous projections or obstructions present at the rear of the frame when the bed is opened. The bottom ends of legs 62 extend down along the outer faces of side members 3i and 32 and hold the bed sections vertically aligned when folded. Similarly, the lower ends of front legs at? abut the outer face of cross bar 37. This abutting relationship, so long as the front edge of the end section is down, effectively prevents the raising of the rear edge of this section. Thus, mattress portion 22 is held doubled-over.

It will now be appreciated that the invention provides a considerably improved and simplified bed construction. The mechanism described above is very sturdy, yet a full sized unit made of steel angle bar stock weighs only 17 pounds without a mattress. The costs of materials and of assembly of this new unit are substantially reduced. The eflicient design of this unit and the standardization of parts permits the unit to be made in a range of sizes in accordance with styling requirements and the wishes of various customers. The drawings herein were made from an actual unit and show its parts proportionally to scale.

The above description is intended in illustration and not in limitation of the invention. Various changes in the embodiment described may occur to those skilled in the art and these can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as set forth.

I claim:

1. A bed mechanism of the character described comprising: a stationary frame, first, second, third and fourth bed sections serially pivoted together and adapted to unfold into a straight line and fold into a flattened Z configuration within and upon said frame, a single pair of links one on each side of said mechanism, the rear end of each link being fixedly pivoted near the rear of the first bed section, the front of each link being fixedly pivoted to a front lower side of said frame, and arm and stop means pivotally connecting the rear corners of said third section to upper side corners of said frame so that unfolding and straightening out of said sections raises said first section, said arm and stop means cooperating with said first, second and third sections and said links to lock said sections in a straight line when raised and unfolded.

2. The structure in claim 1 wherein said arm and stop means pivotally connecting said third section comprises arms rigidly fixed thereto and extending rearwardly, respectively, from each corner thereof, each arm having stops to hold said second section parallel alongside said arms when said sections are unfolded.

3. A simplified bed mechanism comprising a stationary frame, first, second, third and fourth bed sections serially pivoted together and adapted to extend horizontally from said frame with said first section raised to the top of said frame, and adapted to fold in a flattened Z shape with the first section lowered in said frame and with said third and fourth sections next to each other at the top of said frame, said fourth section forming a support for a seat cushion, link means connected between said frame and first section to raise and lower said first section within said frame, means pivotally connecting another of said sections to the forward part of said frame, a front pair of legs attached to said fourth section to support the front end thereof when said sections are unfolded, and a rear pair of legs fixed near the rear of said fourth section to support the downward weight of the rear thereof when said sections are folded or unfolded, portions of said rear legs bearing downward on said frame when said sections are folded.

4. The mechanism in claim 3 wherein the lower ends of said front legs abut said frame when said sections are folded to hold the rear of said fourth section down, and said rear legs fit alongside said frame to hold said sections in vertical alignment therewith.

5. A simplified bed mechanism comprising a stationary frame, first, second, third and fourth bed sections serially pivoted together and adapted to extend horizontally from said frame with said first section raised to the top of said frame, and adapted to fold in a flattened Z shape with the first section lowered in said frame and with said third and fourth sections next to each other at the top of said frame, said fourth section forming a support for a seat cushion, link means connected between said frame and first section to raise and lower said first section within said frame, means pivotally connecting another of said sections to the forward part of said frame, leg means to support said sections when unfolded, and a curved leaf spring cantelever mounted between said third and fourth sections to aid in folding and unfolding them, one end of said spring being attached to said third section, the other end of said spring pushing upward on and being squeezed by said fourth section when said sections are fully folded and when they are fully unfolded, said spring being disengaged from said fourth section when said sections are partly folded, whereby said bed sections are more easily opened than closed.

6. A simplified lightweight ottoman-type bed mechanism comprising: a stationary frame, first, second, third and fourth bed sections serially pivoted together and adapted to unfold into a straight line and fold into a flattened Z configuration within and upon the frame, a pair of rigid links one on each side of said mechanism, the rear end of each link being pivoted directly by a nonsliding pivot near the end of said first section, the front end of each link being pivoted directly by a non-sliding pivot to a forward portion of said frame, a pair of arms rigidly attached to the rear end of said third section, the rear ends of said arms extending beyond said third section and being pivoted to an upper front part of said frame, and lock means engaging between said arms and said second section in conjunction with said arms and links to hold said sections locked up when unfolded.

7. The mechanism in claim 6 wherein said means to lock comprises projecting shoulders "which engage between said arms and said second section to prevent the latter from sagging.

8. A simplified lightwvei-ght ottoman-bed mechanism comprising a frame having a generally square base and two upstanding posts at its front corners, first, second, third and fourth bed sections serially pivoted together and adapted to fold within and upon said frame in figure Z configuration, a pair of links pivoted to said base near its front lower edges respectively and to said first section near its rear corners respectively, a pair of arms fixed to said third section and extending backward from the rear corners thereof, the rear ends of said arms being pivoted to the upper ends of said frame posts, lock means for holding said first, second and third sections up when unfolded, and two pairs of legs fixed to said fourth section to support said sections horizontally in line when unfolded, one pair of said legs being attached to the rear of said fourth section, and having stops which rest on the base of said frame and support said fourth section when folded upon said frame.

9. A simplified light-weight ottoman-bed mechanism comprising a frame having a generally square base and two upstanding posts at its front corners, first, second, third and fourth bed sections serially pivoted together and adapted to fold within and upon said frame in figure Z configuration, a pair of links pivoted to said base near its front lower edges respectively and to said first section near its rear corners respectively, a pair of arms fixed to said third section and extending backward from the rear corners thereof, the rear ends of said arms being pivoted to the upper ends of said frame posts, lock means for holding said first, second and third sections up when unfolded, and two pairs of legs fixed to said fourth section to support said sections horizontally in line when unfolded, one pair of said legs being attached to the front of said fourth section, said third and fourth sections having pivots which lie substantially level with the pivots of said arms to said upper ends of said frame when said sections are folded, the length of said one pair of legs being substantially equal to the height of said frame, the lower ends of said one pair of legs bearing backward against a lower 'part of said frame when said sections are folded, the rear end of said fourth section being held against raising of it until the front end of said fourth section is raised and said one pair of legs is out of engagement with said lower part of said frame.

References Qited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 584,689 Kibbe et al June 15, 1897 823,327 Hagedorn June 12, 1906 1,061,986 Coopersmith May 20, 1913 1,951,805 Palrnieri Mar. 20, 1934 2,654,896 Coopersmith Oct. 13, 1953 2,664,145 Creveling et al. Dec. 29, 1953 2,709,626 Woodburn lvlay 31, 1955 2,785,416 Bebry Mar. 19, 1957 2,988,757 Hubbel-l et a1. June 20, 1961 FOREIGN PATENTS 46,085 Sweden Nov. 19, 1919 326,848 Great Britain Mar. 21, 1930 1,201,611 France July 15, 1959 UNITED STATES PATENT. OFFICE CERTIFICATE or QORRECTION Patent No. 3,121,237 February 18 1964.

Joseph A, Brindisi at error appears in the above numbered pat- It is hereby certified th hat the said Letters Patent should read as ent requiring correction and t corrected below Column 5, line 10, for "the end" read the rear end Signed and sealed this 23rd day of June 1964.

(SEAL).

Attest:

EDWARD J. BRENNER Commissioner of Patents ERNEST W. SWIDER Attesting Officer 

1. A BED MECHANISM OF THE CHARACTER DESCRIBED COMPRISING: A STATIONARY FRAME, FIRST, SECOND, THIRD AND FOURTH BED SECTIONS SERIALLY PIVOTED TOGETHER AND ADAPTED TO UNFOLD INTO A STRAIGHT LINE AND FOLD INTO A FLATTENED Z CONFIGURATION WITHIN AND UPON SAID FRAME, A SINGLE PAIR OF LINKS ONE ON EACH SIDE OF SAID MECHANISM, THE REAR END OF EACH LINK BEING FIXEDLY PIVOTED NEAR THE REAR OF THE FIRST BED SECTION, THE FRONT OF EACH LINK BEING FIXEDLY PIVOTED TO A FRONT LOWER SIDE OF SAID FRAME, AND ARM AND STOP MEANS PIVOTALLY CONNECTING THE REAR CORNERS OF SAID THIRD SECTION TO UPPER SIDE CORNERS OF SAID FRAME SO THAT UNFOLDING AND STRAIGHTENING OUT OF SAID SECTIONS RAISES SAID FIRST SECTION, SAID ARM AND STOP MEANS COOPERATING WITH SAID FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD SECTIONS AND SAID LINKS TO LOCK SAID SECTIONS IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHEN RAISED AND UNFOLDED. 